He will lead the nonprofit network's efforts to address the more than 1.5 million Georgians who do not have medical insurance.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to do more for so many more people," Doliber, 51, said. "This is to help them get what they need."

While in Savannah, Doliber has been the face of Memorial Health University Medical Center's community-based initiatives. He's also been actively involved in related efforts, dealing with the homeless and access to health care.

"We could not be more delighted about Peter coming on board," said Russ Lipari of Smyrna, who has served as interim executive director of the network since March. "We see this as phase one in our focus."

The network, established three years ago, includes 64 clinics, about 30 of which are free, Lipari said.

Most receive no state or federal funding, he said.

At least three of those clinics are in Savannah.

The state auditor estimates more than 90,000 Georgians used free clinics last year, Lipari said. Those individuals accounted for between $200 and $400 million in indigent care, he said.

Between 17 and 19 percent of Georgia's population - almost two of every 10 Georgians - have no medical insurance, one of the highest rates in the nation, Lipari said.

Doliber, who has served as interim executive director of the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, plans to continue part time there as the group seeks a permanent director. He's been with the agency since leaving Memorial in July.

Doliber planned to stay just six months at the homeless authority, after its former director Craig Cashman left in February. That job remains unfilled.

From his new position in Atlanta, Doliber will work to help the network's facilities acquire resources and learn how to do their jobs better, Lipari said.

"What Peter does will have huge implications on health care in our state," Lipari said.

Doliber also will be responsible for locating additional free-care clinics around the state to expand the network, Lipari said.

Lipari will become president of the network's board of advisers.

The Rev. Micheal Elliott, president of Union Mission, said Doliber's new role meets a growing need, and his expertise and knowledge of the area should be a real benefit.

There are about 112,000 uninsured in the Savannah area at any one time, Elliott said.

"A whole bunch of health care clinics have opened to try to meet the needs of the uninsured," Elliott said.

"The problem of the uninsured continues to be bigger and no apparent solutions are in sight," he said.

From a policy perspective, Elliott said, Doliber and the network are trying to tie clinics together so they may speak with a single voice. Union Mission and J.C. Lewis Health Center on Fahm Street are affiliated with the network.

"You're starting to see a whole new delivery system for the uninsured being born," Elliott said.